Ukrainecast Trump-Putin Summit: What are Ukrainians expecting?
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Aug 12, 2025 A high-stakes meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska could reshape the landscape of the Ukraine conflict. The podcast explores the implications of proposed territory swaps that Ukraine firmly opposes. Two Ukrainians share their perspectives on the summit; a soldier and a war crimes investigator discuss the emotional toll of the war. The conversation touches on past geopolitical tensions, public sentiment favoring peace over prolonged conflict, and the complexities of international diplomacy, all framed by the resilience of Ukrainians on the front lines.
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Summit Could End Russia's Isolation
- The Alaska summit signals a potential end to Russia's diplomatic isolation if it happens.
- The meeting's symbolism matters because Western leaders had largely shunned Vladimir Putin since February 2022.
Deciding Ukraine Without Its Leader
- Two leaders meeting without Ukraine raises moral and practical questions about deciding another country's fate.
- Excluding President Zelensky from talks risks legitimising decisions about Ukraine's future without its consent.
Alaska Chosen For Symbolic Optics
- Alaska likely chosen partly because of proximity and symbolic Russian history there.
- The location may make Russia feel more at home and shape the optics of the summit.